I was reading through some information posted to LinkedIn when I came across this article and thought I'd share it in my blog since many clients I serve are in the restaurant industry. The article was written by Corey Savage and posted to the Suncoast Identification Solutions Blog.
Restaurant marketing during the holidays seems simple – everyone is out shopping and they need a place to eat, so naturally they’ll find their way into your restaurant, right? Fact is that competition is stiff for restaurants during the holiday season. Many restaurant owners think that offering freebies and discounts is the best way to get people in. However, this can be a costly tactic for some restaurants that can lead to lost profits. Rather than focusing on price, here are a few tips for marketing your restaurant during the holidays.
Release your new menu.
Having unique, exciting flavors on your menu is the perfect way to bring in more customers during the holiday rush. Sit down with your chef and think up some creative dishes that use fresh, local ingredients. Put out a press release to announce your new menu reveal and contact your local stations to sit down with your chef and discuss the inspiration behind the menu. Consumers love new and unique foods and if you’re serving up the same boring dishes, changing them up can be a huge draw.
Use banners to attract foot traffic.
Whether you’re located in a shopping center or in a freestanding building, maximizing your exposure to your traffic (foot or car) is crucial. By printing a banner with your specials you’re sure to attract those that may not have otherwise stopped by. Be creative in your wording and design to make sure your signage matches your brand and message.
Hold Holiday events.
Here’s one you may not have thought of – during the holidays be sure to hold special events to celebrate the season. Winter solstice parties, wine tastings and VIP celebrations are just a few great ideas that you can promote to help differentiate yourself during the holiday season.
Be strategic about coupons.
If you put coupons into every publication and broadcast the deals all over, you’ll look desperate to your customers. However, if you angle coupons more as a VIP special, you’re more likely to reap the benefit of increased business without devalued perception. Print your coupons and place them at businesses that your target demographic frequents. You can also place printed coupons into return check folders to bring your customers back for their next visit.
You don’t have to sacrifice margins in order to bring in holiday business. Simply continue doing what you do best – making delicious food and providing spectacular service. With a little planning and creative marketing effort, you can avoid excessive coupon offers and still bring in lots of new business.
